Rooster Targeting Top Hen & Drew Blood on Comb, Hen Scared and Hiding

[tori729]

I have 12 hens and 1 rooster who is about 26 weeks old. They have gotten along fine until yesterday when I found my top hen hiding in the coop with a bloodied comb. I separated her for the night and bought some Blu Kote to put on her and put her back with the flock today. She laid her egg and came out of the coop but the rooster went after her and she retreated back into the coop. I let them free range and he chased her down, mated her and then left her but she is terrified now and hiding behind the dumpster.

I think she's resisted submission from him and that's why this is happening. I don't want her to get hurt more; will this behavior eventually stop if she submits? She's one of my favorites and still laying regularly.
The rooster isn't aggressive to us and is a generally good rooster so I would hate to eliminate him but we will if we have to because my hens are more important.

Should I try separating him? I would rather not have to keep him separate for months while he matures but she is also completely terrified of him and I feel bad for her.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'd separate him so he can mature some more. I like to pen them where they can interact through a fence. I'd probably keep him penned for a few months personally. The cockerel should practice calling hens over nicely while penned and maybe learn some better manners. If this behavior continues than I personally would look for a better rooster.